A Day Trip to Rottnest Island
Stunning turquoise beaches, iconic quokkas, and scenic cycling – this is your perfect one-day itinerary on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.
6 minutes
Beaches and bays
Just a short ferry ride away from Perth and with an abundance of activities from cycling to snorkelling, and exploring history, there’s something for everyone to experience in as little as a day on Rottnest Island.
This day trip connects you with the best of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, by bike or by bus. You’ll visit some of the island’s most picturesque beaches, snorkel or swim in turquoise waters, take in the views from Wadjemup Lighthouse and West End, and spot resident quokkas along the way.
7 am All aboard the ferry
With just one day to explore, set your alarm early and hop on the first ferry you can. There are three operators running ferries to and from the island – Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and SeaLink – so find the departure point and timetable that suits you best. Be sure to book the latest return too, so you have plenty of time to soak up the Rottnest Island day trip experience. Departing from Hillarys, Perth, or Fremantle, your adventure starts on the ferry. Watch the coastline stretch out behind you and keep your eyes peeled for marine life like dolphins, seals, and even whales from August to December.
8:30 am Getting ready to adventure
The ferry arrives into Thomson Bay, where you’ll find cafes, shops and transport options. Take a moment to pause at the commanding sculpture at the island end of the main jetty, Koora-Yeye-Boordawan-Kalyakoorl (Past-Present-Future-Forever), which explains the significance of the island to the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Head over to Pedal & Flipper Hire to collect your bike and any extra equipment like a snorkel set. Fo even more convenience, Rottnest Rentals offers beach essentials such as umbrellas, chairs, and other gear to make your day by the water easy. If you’re not cycling, head to the ticket booth at the main bus stop to get your Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus pass. This hop-on-hop-off service circumnavigates the island giving you the freedom to explore as you please. Alternatively, if you like the idea of cycling but don’t want to commit, try the bike and bus package with Pedal & Flipper Hire. You can cycle as far as you like and once you’ve had enough, just leave your bike in one of the racks and take the bus for the rest of the journey.
If you’re planning on having lunch at one of the beautiful bays and beaches around the island, either get something from the General Store or grab a takeaway from one of the many cafes and pop it in your bag for later. Be sure to fill up your water bottle before you leave the settlement as well. There are limited water points once you’ve left Thomson Bay.
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10 am Time to explore
Starting out, head south towards Kingstown Barracks and some of the most picturesque beaches on the island. Parker Point is a perfect location to admire the gorgeous view, take a walk on the sand or hop in the water for a refreshing swim. On route to Parker Point, Henrietta Rocks is home to a stunning coral reef and an intriguing shipwreck, surrounded by seagrass that plays home to an array of diverse sea life.
After this stop, it’s time to head to Wadjemup Lighthouse in the centre of the island. Constructed in 1896 and standing at approximately 38 metres, this landmark is the fourth tallest lighthouse in Australia. Admire the breathtaking views of sparkling water and Perth City in the distance. On a clear day you can even make out the pine trees that line the coast at Cottesloe. For an even more memorable experience, join a guided tour with the Rottnest Voluntary Guides and climb the spiral staircase to the top for panoramic views across the island.
Take your time to explore the other buildings in the precinct — the Signal Station, the Battery Observation Post and the Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service House — all linked by self-guided interpretive signage.
Continue along the southern side of the island past Green Island and Mary Cove. As you move to the western most part of the island, you’ll notice the landscape looking more rugged and wild.
Caution: Train in Operation
A train is active on the island. Pedestrians and cyclists, please be cautious, look both ways at railway crossings and keep off the tracks.
1 pm Rest and refuel
Stopping off at West End, it’s time for a pause; take a deep breath and soak up the salty atmosphere at this special part of the island. The alluring Indian Ocean shimmers and stretches before you, all the way to Madagascar.
There are viewing platforms at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh where you can watch the long-nosed fur seals gently frolicking in the water, or observe the majestic osprey in its nest. You’ve probably built up an appetite by now, so take a break, soak up the views and refuel, in mind and body. Lexi’s on Rotto is close to hand, providing extra drinks and snacks to energise you for the afternoon.
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2:30 pm Beaches and lakes
The northern side of the island is a feast for the eyes, whether seen by bike or bus. This spectacular stretch is dotted with more beautiful beaches and snorkelling spots. Take your pick from Ricey Beach, Little Armstrong Bay, or Geordie Bay for an afternoon on the beach. Geordie Bay is also home to a General Store, Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery, and Kuld Creamery, so it’s a great place to stop for afternoon refreshments.
Stop off to visit the unique salt lakes on the island’s interior, meandering through the colourful lakes and native Wadjemup bush. You can walk part of the Gabbi Karniny Bidi (a 9.5 km loop) from Parakeet Bay or Geordie Bay. Or, if you’re on a bicycle, you can ride down Defence Road to the boardwalk at Lake Vincent. These wetlands are a haven for birdlife too, so look out for banded stilts, crested terns, and red-capped plovers on Lake Herschel and Lake Baghdad.
The bus will head back to the main settlement, but those cycling can continue to stay on the coastal track, rounding the corner to see The Basin. With its shallow clear waters and protective reef, this is an ideal spot for a final swim or snorkel. Continue towards Pinky Beach and then walk up to Bathurst Lighthouse for some impressive views over the ocean, reflecting on your adventurous day trip.
As the afternoon fades, keep an eye out for quokkas. These creatures are an unmissable sight on the island and are easier to spot when they become more active as the heat of the day fades.
Quokkas
Remember quokkas are wild animals and you are visiting their home, so rather than approach, simply observe them from a respectable distance.
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5 pm A relaxed evening
Make the most of your Rottnest Island adventure by extending your day into the evening. With seasonal late-night ferry services, there’s no need to rush. You can linger longer, enjoy a relaxed dinner and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
There’s no better pairing for a day of exploring than a celebratory drink and delicious meal at one of the island’s bars or restaurants. From pub classics like pizzas and fish and chips to freshly made pasta and shareable tapas, there’s something to suit every taste.
As twilight approaches, let the sunset take over. Watch the sky transform into shades of gold and pink from Thomson Bay, or wander to Pinky Beach for a breathtaking view behind the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse. When it’s time to leave, simply head back to the main jetty 15 minutes before your ferry departs, farewelling Wadjemup with memories that will last a lifetime.
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Tips for a time well spent
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
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